And while experts agree that the best method for flu prevention is getting your annual flu shot, we all know that kids are basically tiny haunted houses—full of spooky surprises and crawling with germs—so catching something this season is almost inevitable. But fear not – our Abbott parents are here with their tried-and-true flu guide for surviving the season, all while juggling Halloween costumes, candy and chaos. From clever hacks to cozy remedies, these mom-approved suggestions will help your family get through those sick days and remain as festive as possible. Plus, we’re spotlighting each parent's little ghoul or goblin and their Halloween costume plans—because nothing says “resilient” like a kid in a dinosaur onesie armed with hand sanitizer.
1. Mikki, Manager Financial Planning and Analysis
- Bubble, Scrub, and Trouble! As soon as we walk in the door after daycare, the park, the library – we go straight to the sink to wash hands. Make it a part of your routine when you come home.
- Halloween costume: Family of Pirates (3-year-old and 14-month-old)
2. Morgan, Brand/Product Manager
- Call in the Boo Crew! Having grandparents and other family/friends on standby to help babysit in a pinch because, with 2 kids in daycare, illness is almost guaranteed.
- Halloween costume: Barnyard Boo Crew (3-year-old and 8-month-old)
3. Jayna, Sr. Brand Manager
- Potion Pops to the Rescue I keep my favorite Abbott product, Pedialyte Freezer Pops, stocked and ready-to-go for rehydrating when the germs inevitable arrive.
- Halloween costume: Poop emoji – good thing for those Pedialyte pops (7-year-old), Ice Queen (4-year-old)
4. Mary, Sr. Brand Manager
- Rest like the Un-dead I encourage lots and lots of sleep to prepare for the inevitable.
- Halloween costume: Emo Muppet (13-year-old) and Slumber Party Girl (11-year-old)
5. Julieana, Sr. Team Leader
- Magical Mist: We love using a cool mist humidifier with eucalyptus inserts. Whether he’s feeling like his normal toddler self or if he’s feeling a little under the weather, the cool mist humidifier is an easy tool to use every day and turn your kiddo’s room into a lovely spa environment.
- Halloween costume: Cartoon Racecar (2-year-old)
6. Lara, Sr. Brand Manager
- Flu Season Fright? Snuggle Tight! There’s no such thing as too many snuggles when your little goblins are feeling under the weather. Cozy cuddles are the ultimate comfort spell for my toddler and baby.
- Halloween costume: Kitty cat (2-year-old), Baby Pig (5-month-old)
7. Peyton, Sr. Brand Manager
- Mummy & Me Storytime: My sick kiddo loves to snuggle, and read when she’s not feeling well. I always have the tried-and-true favorites, but I like to buy some new seasonal or “sick day” books to keep on rotation so she’s entertained.
- Halloween costume: Video Game Princess (2-year-old)
8. Gayane, Sr. Manager Public Affairs
- The Boo Bag Hack: I like to tape a plastic grocery bag to the side of a tissue box to create a “Boo Bag.” No more ghostly tissues haunting your home—just toss the whole bag when it’s full and say boo-bye to the mess! Bonus points: Let the kids decorate the bag and tissue box with googly eyes, mini pumpkins, or ghost stickers to turn cleanup into a festive flu-fighting ritual. It’s a cute way to make hygiene feel like part of the Halloween fun!
- Halloween costume: Rock Lobster (10-month-old)
9. Sarah, Sr. Team Lead Category Management
- Stock the Potion Cabinet: I keep our cabinets stocked during flu season with Children's fever and pain reliever, vapor rub, and, of course, Pedialyte for hydration.
- Halloween costume: Pop Star (9-year-old)
10. Jenna, Manager Public Affairs
- Sick-Day Screen Free Tricks: To avoid screentime overload, I like to make sure I have plenty of age-appropriate puzzles and other inside activities for when my energetic kiddo is feeling better but still not fever-free for 24 hours.
- Halloween costume: Skeleton (5-year-old)
Creepin’ It Together
Flu season may be lurking, but with a little planning and a lot of love, Abbott parents are proving that even the scariest sick days can be handled with heart. Whether it’s calling in the Boo Crew, stocking up on hydration products, or encouraging rest like the un-dead, these tips are sure to help keep your family Monster Mashing straight through fall. So, here’s to surviving spooky season with humor, hand sanitizer, and the kind of resilience only parents possess. May your costumes stay dry, your tissues stay stocked and your little monsters stay well enough to enjoy every last piece of candy.
